(Edmonton) The office of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it would be gross misconduct if a staff member contacted prosecutors about matters relating to the Coutts border blockade, but does not not say if he will investigate to determine if this happened.
The office reacted to a CBC/Radio-Canada report citing unnamed sources that a staff member in Ms.me Smith sent a series of emails to crown attorneys last fall questioning their approach to these cases.
In a statement, the office of Mr.me Smith says the premier has not contacted prosecutors directly and is not aware of any of her staff who have.
The statement said Alberta’s Crown Attorney Service operates independently of politicians and if contact has occurred, “appropriate action will be taken.”
The statement does not say that Mr.me Smith will investigate, and his office did not immediately respond to a request to clarify whether he will.
The New Democratic Party of Alberta reiterates its call for an independent investigation, given that the Premier of the United Conservative Party has made numerous conflicting statements about discussions she allegedly had with senior justice officials about how which they deal with cases related to protests against health restrictions related to COVID-19.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have charged several people involved in the three-week blockade a year ago to protest COVID-19 restrictions. The charges range from mischief to conspiracy to commit murder.
Police alleged that a group present at the protest were prepared to use force against officers if the blockade was broken and described the threat as “very serious”.
CBC/Radio-Canada reported Thursday that an employee of the Prime Minister’s Office allegedly sent emails criticizing prosecutors’ assessment of the charges and questioning their view of the protest at the Coutts border crossing.
The Alberta Crown Attorney Service said in a statement, “Neither the assistant deputy minister of the Alberta Crown Attorney Service nor the Crown attorney involved in Coutts’ cases can recall of receiving emails from the Prime Minister’s Office. »
“Such communication would be exceptionally rare and as such would stand out,” it adds.
“However, without seeing the emails in question, no further comment can be provided. »